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Dissolution of the Status Quo
Cargo Hold 4 follows eight scientists exploring a dwarf planet and collecting samples who accidentally bring aboard an unseen entity that is now trying to escape the cargo hold it is trapped in. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The idea came to me one day while I was walking. In my mind’s eye, I saw, and heard, something pounding on this huge yellow metal door, making these enormous welts. Cargo Hold 4, those were the words in my head. I let it simmer, the concept refusing to leave. Eventually, I just gave in, needing to find out about this hell-raiser in Cargo Hold 4.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Not any character in particular, really, but more the entire crew. It was challenging from the standpoint of imagining scientists committing their lives to a mission that most of them would not return from. That set up a dynamic that wouldn’t be present in most situations, especially given that they could be in space for fifty years, and only ever encounter one another for the rest of their lives. I know most writers like to go to cryogenic stasis for space travel, but there was no story in that. I wanted to imagine what the crew interaction might be like if they remained awake, and the potential for conflict, intimacy, disagreements, and so on. Then, of course, the slow dissolution of the status quo they had established over the first five years when this entity makes itself known. It really was terrific fun playing with this scenario.
You flawlessly blend Science Fiction and horror in this book. How did you go about blending the two genres without disrupting the story?
Thank you! For me, I guess, the fusion was organic, inevitable. The nexus of the genres met in the same place; with the entity in Cargo Hold 4. Through the unknown idiosyncrasies of outer space, I found the potential for this life form, which leads to quite horrific events. Yet I didn’t want the usual “monster” with the unquenchable lust to kill humans for no reason. The life form had to be something incredible, unimaginable, with a complex intelligence beyond human comprehension.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it?
I actually have several books in the works. Some are finished and in the editing stage, with others I’m still working on; a dystopian SF trilogy with a fair amount of horror, and a couple of magical realism love stories I’m also very excited about, though not sure how my SF Horror “fans” will react. That’s always a risk, I guess, changing things up when the “story” takes you in different directions.
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Cargo Hold 4
Cargo Hold 4, by Lonnie Busch, is an engaging piece of science fiction that plunges readers into a suspenseful and eerie journey through space. The story follows the crew of the spaceship Gretel, tasked with collecting samples from distant planets for research. However, their mission takes a terrifying turn when strange, roaring noises aboard the ship spark a series of unsettling discoveries. Captain Desna and her crew quickly realize they are unprepared for the revelations that lie ahead. As members of her team are affected by these mysterious events, Desna faces mounting pressure and growing fear about the fate she’s leading them toward.
Busch’s writing style is captivating, drawing readers in with vivid descriptions and a perfect blend of sci-fi, horror, and suspense. The way he builds tension is masterful—some moments left me truly unsettled, forcing me to take a break just to catch my breath. The technical aspects of the futuristic world are woven seamlessly into the plot, adding depth and excitement to the narrative. Busch’s detailed explanations of the spaceship’s technology were fascinating, and they enhanced the story without overwhelming it. The pacing is tight, and the sense of dread steadily escalates throughout, making it hard to put down.
One of the most striking elements of the book is how it plays with shock and horror. There’s a disturbing intensity to certain scenes that left me both riveted and unnerved. While some moments felt gory and unsettling, they served to heighten the story’s tension and keep me on edge. The ending, in particular, is haunting—it left me in deep contemplation, still processing the layers of what I had just read. The characters are equally well-crafted, and Busch uses them to explore thought-provoking ethical questions, adding depth to the story’s overall impact.
Cargo Hold 4 is a gripping and unsettling sci-fi thriller that blends horror and suspense with a powerful narrative. Lonnie Busch has created a world that is not only immersive but also leaves readers questioning the boundaries of science and ethics. It’s the kind of book that keeps you hooked from the first page but also lingers long after you’ve finished. I highly recommend it to fans of science fiction who enjoy a touch of horror and the thrill of exploring the unknown.
Pages: 254 | ASIN : B0D5BP6ZRW
LITERARY TITAN 